The Creation Story

Nestled on the prestigious Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge—one of the world's most biodiverse and pristine wine regions, just 8 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean—Creation embodies the vision of Swiss cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin and his wife Carolyn Martin (née Finlayson), who hails from a celebrated South African wine family. Since planting their first vines in 2002, they have crafted compelling cool-climate wines, particularly their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Their son Glenn represents the fourth generation of winemakers in both distinguished family traditions.

Jean-Claude's gentle, non-interventionist methods preserve terroir character while creating wines of rare balance, elegance and distinction. The 450-million-year-old Bokkeveld shale and 590 million-year-old Quartzite soils, combined with cool maritime conditions, produce world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as seen in the results on international blind tastings in Decanter, amongst others.

Working exclusively with virus-free vineyard material between 240 and 300 metres elevation, Creation's 65 hectares of vines benefit from cool maritime conditions and a 12°C cool night index that ensures optimal acid retention and flavour development. Jean-Claude believes a dedicated viticultural team that prunes, suckers and picks the grapes is critical to their success, and that the quality of their viticulture and grapes helps them produce exceptional wines. This unique combination now represents a mother block for South African viticulture, while dedicating 15 hectares to preserving the natural biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom - a testament to Jean-Claude's pioneering and innovative vision, meticulous standards, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Creation Wines

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2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde White | Still | 13.5%

This has become our house South African white for good reason. Alluring aromas of elderflower, papaya and passion fruit give way to clean minerality on the palate. Jean-Claude's cool-climate approach creates complexity rarely found in Sauvignon Blanc - it's fresh, precise and utterly delicious. Perfect for every occasion, from casual aperitifs to pairing with oysters.

Ready: 2025 - 2028
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2024 Viognier, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde White | Still | 14%

Joyful and vivacious with pertinent peach and subtle pear notes. This is Viognier as it should be - aromatic without being heavy, textural without losing freshness. One of South Africa's most accomplished examples of this noble Rhône variety.

Ready: 2025 - 2028
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2023 Reserve Chardonnay, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde White | Still | 13.5%

Single-vineyard selection showcasing vibrant grapefruit and fragrant apple with honey and cinnamon hints. A complex, site-specific Chardonnay that delviers heaps of complexity at a fraction of the price of many other esteemed regions.

Ready: 2025 - 2032
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2023 Reserve Pinot Noir, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Red | Still

Smooth yet complex with layers of fresh cherry fruit and piquant spice. Supple tannins ensure excellent maturation potential - this is serious Pinot Noir that will develop beautifully in your cellar. A fragrant and supple Pinot that overdelivers for the price.

Ready: 2025 - 2034
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2023 Art of Chardonnay, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde White | Still

Single-site specific and barrel selected, this wine offers steely tension yet elegant refinement. Seams of quartz sparkle in this particular vineyard, creating mineral complexity that develops beautifully with age. There are notes of toast, some stone fruits and a very saline core to the wine. A brilliant Burgundy-styled Chardonnay.

Ready: 2025 - 2034
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2023 Art of Pinot Noir, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Red | Still | 13.5%

Single-site specific and barrel selected. Utterly enchanting with complex velvety texture, spice and perfume. This is Pinot Noir at its most charming. There is a tension to the wine with accents of sandalwood and white pepper while the finish is long, saline and focused.

Ready: 2025 - 2037
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2023 Emma's Pinot Noir, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Red | Still

A collaboration between Emma and JC Martin, this single-site vineyard wine represents the intimate, family-driven approach that defines Creation. Emma made her first wine when she was 10 years old under the guidance of her father in 2012, and "wowed the wine world" with her debut vintage at age 11. This is a small production wine with notes of rose petal, wild cherry and black tea. A wine of drama and presence with layers of detail.

Ready: 2025 - 2038
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2023 Glenn's Chardonnay, Creation Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde White | Still

Glenn Martin, the 4th generation winemaker in both family's traditions, works alongside his father JC on this brilliant Chardonnay, crafted from the same block as The Art but entirely wild yeast fermented. A savoury, complex wine that represents the next generation of Creation's winemaking excellence. There are notes of acacia and orange peel with a fine flinty note, white flowers and a crystalline energy.

Ready: 2025 - 2035
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White Wines: Serve Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier at 7-10°C and Chardonnay at 10-12°C, decant Art series 

Red Wines: Serve at 16-18°C, decant recommended for optimal expression

Cellaring: All wines benefit from 2-3 years bottle age 

Due to limited production and growing demand, we recommend buying early for:

  • Art of Chardonnay and Art of Pinot Noir (2024 vintage)
  • Glenn's Chardonnay and Emma's Pinot Noir (2024 vintage)
  • Mixed case selections for gifting

Cellar Circle Members receive priority allocation.